The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has ordered traditionalists in Edo South to invoke spiritual curses against bandits and other violent criminals.
The monarch gave the directive on Tuesday during a meeting with native doctors, traditional priests and priestesses at his palace in Benin City.
Ewuare II implored them to deploy “spiritual warfare” to combat banditry and rising violent crime in the senatorial district.
He directed the traditionalists to begin a week-long spiritual exercise for the land on Tuesday.
It will end at 6 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the Oba’s Palace with curses laid against criminals and their collaborators, he said.
He noted that banditry has gained traction in parts of Nigeria.
He assured that God and ancestors will not allow machinations of the wicked to prevail in any part of Nigeria.
He added: “This message is from the ancestors. That is what we want Edo people at home and in the diaspora to hear. The criminals are aware that God almighty and our ancestors will not allow their evil work to prevail against Edo State.
The past Obas in Benin will not allow their wishes to prevail. They (criminals) have been causing confusion. It is time they give up on their activities”, Oba Ewuare added.
Addressing the groups, Chief Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, the Akenuwa of Benin who reinforced the position of Oba Ewuare, urged them not to let down their guard in their various traditional rites.